How have you become a more transparent leader?

For many of us, developing transparency as a leader is evolutionary. How do you decide what information to share? What has transparency done to and for your career?

Power's Paradoxical Pattern

Everyone has power. We all need it. Many people misuse it. Some of us use it well. Some of us crave it. But how do you use it intentionally and purposefully, with integrity?

Power is a fascinating thing. One natural reaction people have to power is that if you “throw your weight around” people listen to you; you have power. We believe that you actually gain power by giving it away. This is the counterintuitive paradox of power. We explored this in detail in our article, Power's Paradoxical Pattern.

One of the most potent set of skills for creating influence involves consciously aligning with the perspectives, needs and styles of others. These key skills are fundamental to getting what you want and need in all aspects of your life. It’s sometimes a counterintuitive principle because we have ingrained beliefs that influence is gained by pitching, touting or forcing our position when in reality that usually alienates and produces defensiveness.

What have you experienced in your career, position, relationships, family? Have you seen the “magic” aligning creates. Weigh in…

How Does A Tennis Ball Know...The Power of Positive Intent

When my tennis coach tells me that I didn’t follow through on my swing, I ask myself how the ball “knows.” The trajectory of the ball is influenced by all of the nuances of my stance, approach, contact and follow through because they are all connected i... Read more at Simple Not Easy »

We received these comments on LinkedIn

Fabulous article, Susan and extremely timely. I like the perspective of assuming "positive intent" or asking "why would a reasonable person say/do this" as a way to get out of our emotional reactions and story building and shift our perspectives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter!
By
Susan Franzen Director, Leadership Institute at University of Texas System

Susan, I appreciate your feedback. It is so easy to assume the worst instead of the best. In your role, I'm sure you often ask questions about other possible motivations. So hopefully those simple questions are contagious at your Leadership Institute. One of my clients uses an operating principle of trust, then verify which is another way to apply the principle of positive intent.
By Susan Reece Executive Coaching, Strategic Planning, Organization Effectiveness Consultant- Recognizing Potential, Realizing Results


a great article , synchroncity I am doing appreciative inquiry workshop , this is what we have been talking about last three days . thanks . sushma sharma
By Sushma Sharma CEO resonateconsulting , in the field of oragnization development and transformation

Thanks Susan for the reminder. I constantly struggle with my biz (and my life) to follow my own mantra. Always Be Positive. (without being too gushy) And I love using principles of Appreciative Inquiry. Building on what works. I don't think we use it enough - we're always stuck in "problem" solving with clients.
By Leigh M. Drake President, Aranelle Consulting, LLC - Content Development, Strategic Planning, Technology Coachi